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Overview

Lamotrigine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Lamotrigine

Prescribed to control some types of seizures that may result due to epilepsy and treat bipolar disorder, Lamotrigine is meant for oral consumption. The drug is available in the form of regular tablets that have to be swallowed, tablets that can be chewed or those that dissolve in the mouth. Extended release tablets are also available.

Before starting the medication you should be aware of some of the common side effects of Lamotrigine. They are-

  • dizziness
  • feeling sleepy, or insomnia
  • headache, which may be accompanied with blurred or double vision
  • diarrhea
  • back pain
  • runny nose, sore throat and fever
  • skin rashes
  • anxiousness
  • Some serious side effects of Lamotrigine include rashes that can result in sores or blisters, multi-organ hypersensitivity which can lead to fever, acute pain in the muscles and yellowing of the skin. Behavioral changes may also result, which may include suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, anger, aggressiveness and restlessness.

    Patients should inform their doctor about the medication that they are already taking for other health problems before starting Lamotrigine. This is because certain drugs interfere with the effectiveness of Lamotrigine. for instance oral contraceptives reduces the level of Lamotrigine, thus affecting the action of the drug. HIV drugs as well as tuberculosis medicines have the same effect on Lamotrigine.

    The dosage of the drug prescribed may vary from individual to individual depending on the age, health condition, severity of the health problem, and reaction to the initial dose. Initially the doctor may begin with a 25 mg dose and increase it gradually. A dosage up to 300 mg can be taken according to the reaction to the medicine. In case of liver of kidney problems the doctor may prescribe the drug after conducting a thorough medical check-up.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Lamotrigine

    • Epilepsy

      Lamotrigine is used in the treatment of Epilepsy which is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. Uncontrolled jerking movements and loss of consciousness are some of the symptoms of Epilepsy.

    • Bipolar Disorder

      Lamotrigine is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Unusual shifts in the mood like hyperactivity and tiredness are some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Lamotrigine ?

    • Allergy

      Avoid if you have a known history of allergy to Lamotrigine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Lamotrigine ?

    • Blurred Or Double Vision

    • Loss Of Coordination

    • Skin Rash

    • Anxiety

    • Depressed Mood

    • Confusion

    • Swelling Of Face, Lips, Eyelids, Tongue, Hands And Feet

    • Flu-Like Symptoms

    • Headache

    • Nausea Or Vomiting

    • Diarrhoea

    • Running Nose

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Lamotrigine

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 to 3 days.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 to 1.5 hours for an immediate release tablet and 4 to 11 hours for an extended release tablet.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendency has been reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      If you miss a dose of Lamotrigine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Lamotrigine approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Lamotrigine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Lamotrigine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication works by reducing the excitation of the brain cells by inhibiting the sodium channels and stabilizes the neuronal membranes thus inhibits the repetitive firing of brain cells.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Lamotrigine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Alcohol

        Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Lab

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Ethinyl Estradiol

        The desired effect of Lamotrigine may not be observed if taken with oral contraceptives. The dose of Lamotrigine should be adjusted to achieve better seizure control. Any symptoms of worsening of seizures should be reported to the doctor.

        Rifampin

        The desired effect of Lamotrigine may not be observed if taken with rifampin. The dose of Lamotrigine should be adjusted to achieve better seizure control. Any symptoms of worsening of seizures should be reported to the doctor.

        Valporic Acid

        Concomitant use of these medications may increase the risk of serious skin reactions. Any symptoms of skin rash, itching should be reported to the doctor. An alternative medication should be considered based on the clinical condition.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Depression

        Lamotrigine should be given with caution in the patients with depression and suicidal thoughts. Frequent monitoring of depression symptoms is necessary. Dose adjustments are to be made based on the outcomes in the patient.

        Aseptic Meningitis

        Lamotrigine may increase the risk of aseptic meningitis. Any symptoms of neck rigidity, headache and fever should be reported to the doctor immediately. Discontinue the treatment until the cause is identified.
      • Interaction with Food

        Food

        Information not available.
      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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